French and German

On our BA French and German course, you’ll study language and culture in ways that are intellectually stimulating, helping you to develop a full range of language skills.
Enhance your language skills in French and German, and apply them in real-life situations – especially during your Year Abroad.

At the same time, develop your analytical skills by taking modules on a wide range of topics related to the two languages, which are taught by leading experts in their fields. Your dissertation will provide you with the opportunity to write an extended piece of work, with a comparative element should you wish.

With French as the official language in over 29 countries, and German as Europe's most widely used language, you'll graduate with sought-after skills and experience.

Choose from a diverse range of modules, which may include:
- Conflict, Identity and Absurdity in 20th-century French Theatre

- Behind the Camera: introduction to women's cinema from the 1960s to the present

- Cultures of protest and terror in West Germany, 1967-1977

- Sex, Seduction and Submission: gender in German literature from 1900 to today

And cross-departmental modules such as:
- Constructions of gender, sexuality and race

- Cross-cultural Cinema: Migration and Displacement

- Thinking Otherwise: Decolonial approaches to contemporary thought and culture

- Introduction to Linguistics

- From Text to Tech: Digital Approaches to Languages and Cultures

- The Romance languages: structure, variation and change

There's an extensive range of language combinations available to you within our Modern Languages department.

Why study this course?

- Experience a new approach to language learning with our CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) teaching method - study topics of cultural significance in your target language, designed and delivered by expert researchers.

- Teach, study or complete a work placement abroad, immersing yourself in French and/or German.

- Enjoy focused academic contact – We pride ourselves on competitive contact hours. These take place in small groups, encouraging active language learning through engagement with cultural material.

- Learn in a vibrant city that is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse. Join our language and culture-based societies to further enhance your skills and contribute to the student-led Linguist Magazine.

17th for French in the Complete University Guide by subject (2024)

Top 100 for Modern Languages in the QS World Subject Rankings (2024)